Kevin McRoberts

Images of some of Scotland’s most famous world-changing innovations – including the television, telephone and Dolly the Sheep – are being used to inspire more business visitors to the country.

Led by the business events team at VisitScotland, the Scottish contingent at this week’s Conference and Hospitality Show North in Leeds includes representatives from prestigious hotels and venues from Edinburgh, Ayrshire, Perthshire, Fife and the Highlands.

And as part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, the visuals on the Scottish stand focus on examples of the country’s extraordinary innovation.

Visitors to the Scotland stand also have the chance to take selfies with a traditional piper and pose with one of VisitScotland’s Polaroid-style #ScotSpirit frames, allowing them to join in with the national tourism organisation’s global marketing campaign.

Theresa Ring, VisitScotland market manager for the Midlands and north England, said: “The north of England market is a hugely important part of Scotland’s £1.9 billion business events industry.

“Attending the Conference and Hospitality Show North gives Scottish venues and event organisers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers and bring potentially lucrative conferences and other events to Scotland.

“The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a great way to engage with buyers, and we are looking forward to showcasing some of our country’s top venues in Leeds this week.”

Now in its seventh year, the Conference and Hospitality Show North is expected to attract more than 600 buyers, including top event organisers from across the UK.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is building on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, 2016 is showcasing Scotland’s position as an ‘innovation nation’, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed creative industries sector.